The first media conference of the ‘Anti-imperialist People’s Movement’ was held at the auditorium of the National Library in Colombo today (20th) to announce the launching of the Movement at Foundation Institute on the 27th at 10.00 a.m.
The ‘Anti-imperialist People’s Movement’ is created by the amalgamation of several mass organizations. Among the groups that form the Movement are National Trade Union Center (NTUC), National Bhikku Front, All Ceylon Farmers’ Federation, All Ceylon Estate Workers’ Union, the Federation of University Teachers’ Associations (FUTA), Inter Company Employees Union, Women for Rights, the JVP, People’s Wall of Comradeship (PWC), The National Federation of Small Tea Holders, All Ceylon Fisher Folk Federation (ACFFF), Prof Senaka Bibile Commemorative Organization, the National Movement to Protect Free Education (NMPFE) and individuals and groups that include intellectuals, environmentalists and journalists.
The co-convener of the Movement Ven. Dhambara Amila Thero addressing the media said, “The Sinhalese, Tamil, Muslim, Burgher, Malay legitimate sons and daughters of Sri Lanka have come together to fulfill a task that has been delayed and as a result the economic, political and cultural development of our Motherland could not be achieved. We could achieve historical victories with the essences of historical wealth and the proper management of natural reserves of our country. As a result of mismanagement the country has fallen to the precipice of economic crisis, become impotent politically and culturally bankrupt. Under these conditions the patriotic forces should focus their attention on a process that would bring in victories to the Motherland. A center that amasses progressive groups that could endure long struggles is needed. The ‘Anti-imperialist People’s Movement’ is founded to fulfill this purpose.
Faultless people keeping mum when wrongdoers carry out their crimes is a serious tragedy. We should immediately come out of such a state. This is why we held seminars in many parts of the country and apprised the masses. Now we have reached the commencement of our task. We should win the right to independently decide the economy of our country. The period that gave into the IMF, World Bank, World Trade Organization, Asian Development Bank should be terminated. The result of giving into those institutions is the creation of an economy that moves with taxes and loans. This economy cannot go further. Instead of taxes and loans the economy should move towards a process of planned production. The system that allows fraud, corruption and wasteful spending should be completely changed.
Instead of dividing people politically they should be strengthened with humane qualities and ability to overcome challenges. It is essential to bar foreign interventions that attempt to abolish political freedom on the pretext of protecting human rights. Political freedom cannot be achieved by clasping hands with imperialists. The government has already bent its knees in front of imperialists. The government has opened its front door to western imperialists while the back door has been opened for Indian expansionists. The country has reached a decisive stage after the end of the war. Authorities have acted in a manner to encourage communalism. All including the President should be held responsible for this state of affairs. The rulers in their strive to become obedient, dutiful servants of imperialism have sustained communalism and religionism and betrayed the freedom of the masses in the country to Hilary Clinton through Minister G.L. Peiris. We should pressurize the government demanding it not to betray the country and to correct the wrongs that have been done so far.
Culturally the Sinhalese, The Tamils and Muslims lived in harmony. This harmony was lost due to power hunger of a few. Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism and Islam, the four great religions, are in our country. The power hungry rulers are practicing means of dividing the masses communally and religiously for their benefits.
Instead of this decaying society we should create a society that is bound by human qualities, fraternity and camaraderie. The time has come to bind our people culturally.
The main task of the Anti-imperialist People’s Movement at present is to initiate the transformation period; to rally masses to achieve collective victories. It is necessary to build a graceful country that brings to the fore human qualities instead of barbarism; to build delightful human relations. We have recognized that the main obstacle in achieving these goals is the intervention of imperialists. We should understand that imperialists carry out their interventions in the economic, political and cultural fronts. The main task of the Anti-imperialist People’s Movement is to struggle in all these fronts, defeat imperialism and create a just, rational and righteous society,” said Ven. Dhambara Amila Thera.
Responding to questions posed by journalists the co-convener of Anti-imperialist People’s Movement K.D. Lal Kanthe said Lalith Weeratunga, the Secretary to the President, harangued India at the launching of the book ‘Gota’s war.’ Confirming the duplicity of Sri Lanka’s diplomatic affairs the President on the same day embraced the Indian High Commissioner and expressed his affability to India. No country in the world trusts the foreign policy of Sri Lanka. They know it is dubious. There are many instances where the government reprimands western imperialists including the USA but carries out very close connections secretly. It is under these connections that Mr. Gotabhaya Rajapaksa signs a defense pact with the USA. The masses should be alert when political bigwigs who have US citizenship come out with false anti-Americanism. Iraq and Libya that became prey to such false performances have been razed to the earth. Countries like Cuba, Iran and North Korea are genuinely in the struggle against imperialism. We can’t see such a situation in our country. The people should understand and break loose from false anti- imperialist sentiment. Shouting slogans against USA but making available 5000 acres near Somawathiya should be seen as a main factor of duplicity.
Former Parliamentarian Ramalingam Chandrasekar representing All Ceylon Estate Workers’ Union, Prof. Chandana Abeyratne representing Federation of University Teachers’ Associations (FUTA), Mr. Abdeen representing Inter Company Employees Union and Ms. Porsia Thasy Hassan representing ‘Women for Rights also participated.
LT